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Introduction: Vitamin D is important for bone development in children. A high prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) has been documented from different parts of India. However, limited data are available on VDD among children residing at high altitude region of country. Objectives: To assess the prevalence of VDD and associated risk factors among children in the age group of 6-18 years in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the year 2014-2015. A total of 626 children in the age group of 6-18 years were enrolled from 30 clusters which were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. A minimum of 20 children in the age group of 6-18 years per cluster were selected using random number tables. The data on socioeconomic status, physical activity, sunlight exposure, and biochemical parameters of bone and mineral metabolism were assessed. Results: Ninety-three percent of school-age children were found Vitamin D deficient as per serum 25(OH) D levels of <20 ng/ml. The prevalence was significantly higher among females. Conclusion: A high prevalence of VDD was found in children residing in high altitude region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mastectomy serves as the main surgical treatment for both invasive and in situ breast carcinoma and large phyllodes tumors. It is associated with skin necrosis, seroma, and surgical site infection in up to 30% of patients. In the present trial, we compared the complications in patients undergoing skin flap elevation by one of the 4 techniques: thick skin flap raised by scalpel(group1), thin skin flap raised with scalpel (group 2), thick skin flap raised with diathermy (group 3), and thin skin flap raised with diathermy (group 4). A randomized trial with superiority hypothesis and 2 × 2 factorial design was conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi. Mastectomy skin flap necrosis (MSN) was recorded as the main outcome of interest. MSN was noted in 2.5% in group1, 10% in group 2, 7.5% in group 3, and 30% in group 4. MSN was observed in 5% cases with thick flap compared to 20% cases with a thin skin flap (p = 0.007). Raising the flap with scalpel was associated with MSN in 6.25% compared to 18.75% in the diathermy group (p = 0.029). We conclude that raising a thick flap with scalpel is associated with lowest risk of skin flap necrosis. Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry- India CTRI/2014/09/004978 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In low-risk febrile neutropenia (LR-FN), the safety of early discontinuation of empiric antibiotics without marrow recovery is not well established. This study aimed to evaluate the safety of procalcitonin (PCT) guided early discontinuation of antibiotics in LR-FN. In this trial, children with LR-FN with an afebrile period of at least 24 h, sterile blood culture, and negative/normalized PCT were randomized at 72 h of starting antibiotics into two groups: intervention arm and standard arm. The antibiotics were stopped in the intervention arm regardless of absolute neutrophil count (ANC), while in the standard arm, antibiotics were continued for at least 7 days or until recovery of ANC (>500/mm3). The primary objective was to determine the treatment failure rates, and the secondary objective was to compare the duration of antibiotics and all-cause mortality between the two arms. A total of 46 children with LR-FN were randomized to either the intervention arm (n = 23) or the standard arm (n = 23). Treatment failure was observed in 2/23 (8.7%) of patients in the intervention arm compared to 1/23 (4.3%) in the standard arm [RR: 2 (95% CI: 0.19–20.6); p = 0.55]. The median duration of antibiotics in the intervention arm and standard arm were 3 days vs 7 days (P= <0.001). There was no mortality in this study. PCT-guided early discontinuation of empirical antibiotics in LR-FN is feasible. There was no significant difference observed in treatment failure between the early discontinuation of antibiotics vs standard therapy. The total duration of antibiotic exposure was significantly lesser in the discontinuation arm. Further, larger multicenter studies are needed to confirm the finding of this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study estimated incident breakthrough seizures, serum matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parameters in five- to 18-year-olds with neurocysticercosis (NCC) from colloidal or vesicular through calcified stages over at least 24 months' follow-up. Single, colloidal, or vesicular parenchymal NCC cases were treated with albendazole and steroids and followed at a tertiary care north Indian hospital. Serum MMP-9 was estimated in colloidal or vesicular treatment-naive state and in a subset of calcified cases at six-month follow-up. The same subset of calcified cases also underwent perfusion MRI of the brain at six-month follow-up. Among 70 cases, 70% calcified at six-month follow-up. Over a median follow-up of 30 months, the incidence of breakthrough seizures was 48.6% (61.2% in calcified and 19.2% in resolved, P = 0.001; 32.9% early [within six months] and 15.7% late [beyond six months], P = 0.02). Serum MMP-9 levels were higher in colloidal and vesicular compared with calcified stage (242.5 vs 159.8 ng/mL, P = 0.007); however, there was no significant association with breakthrough seizures and/or calcification in follow-up. In a subgroup of calcified cases (n = 31), the median relative cerebral blood volume on perfusion MRI in and around the lesion was lower in those with seizures (n = 12) than in those without (n = 19) (10.7 vs 25.2 mL/100 g, P = 0.05). In post-treatment colloidal or vesicular NCC, incident breakthrough seizures decrease beyond six months. In calcified NCC with remote breakthrough seizures, significant perilesional hypoperfusion is seen compared with those without seizures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explores the efficacy of 12-week yoga+diet-based lifestyle intervention (YBLI) vs dietary intervention (DI) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and identifies the predictors of change in HRQoL in Indians with metabolic syndrome (Met S). Data from the historical randomized controlled trial was used including adults (n=260, 20-45 years) with Met S. Four domains of HRQoL were measured at baseline, 2 and 12 weeks using WHOQOLBREF questionnaire. Generalized estimating equation and chi-square test was used to compare 12-week changes in HRQoL domains and proportion of subjects, respectively. Changes in HRQoL were predicted using regression models concerning changes in body mass index (BMI), physical activity, total calorie intake, adiponectin, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Exploratory mediation analysis was carried out using Baron & Kenny approach. YBLI resulted in a significantly greater increase in the physical domain score of HRQoL than DI. A significantly greater proportion of subjects in YBLI group (71%) showed an increase in physical domain scores compared to DI (51%). A unit change in BMI negatively predicted a unit change in physical, psychological and environmental health. Whereas, a unit change in adiponectin and SOD levels positively predicted a unit change in physical and environmental health. Partial mediation between YBLI intervention and physical HRQoL domain was observed via adiponectin. In conclusion, a 12-week YBLI has a positive and greater effect on HRQoL physical domain score than following DI alone. Changes in BMI, adiponectin, and SOD levels may predict changes in HRQoL domains after lifestyle intervention. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Parkinson's disease (PD) has devastating effects on quality of life (QoL), but there is no instrument that has been developed for Hindi-speaking persons with Parkinson's disease (PWP). Objective: The objective of this study was to develop and validate an instrument in Hindi language to measure health-related QoL (HRQoL) in PWP. Subjects and Methods: Literature review and interviews of stakeholders were done to create a pool of 68 items to develop a questionnaire. Self-rated global QoL item was also included in the questionnaire. Questionnaire was tested on 300 Hindi-speaking PWP. Item reduction was achieved through factor analysis and clinimetrics to finalize the QoL in PD (QLPD) instrument. Validity and reliability of the QLPD were tested. Results: "QLPD" is a 45-item instrument with nine subscales, namely, activities of daily living, mobility, psychological, fear, social, family, treatment, finance, and nonmotor symptom subscales. Internal consistency of QLPD's summary score and all subscales except treatment subscale was high (α = 0.74--0.94). Intraclass correlation coefficient between summary score and global QoL was 0.79. Summary score and subscale scores were significantly different (P < 0.0001) for predefined five categories on global QoL (very good to very bad). QLPD subscales exhibited good convergent and divergent validity with subscales of 39-item PD questionnaire and short form-36 scale. Higher Hoehn and Yahr stage, lower monthly per capita income, and higher levodopa equivalent daily dosage were found to be independently associated with poor HRQoL. Conclusion: QLPD is a valid and reliable instrument to measure HRQoL in Hindi-speaking PWP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sleep disorders are common in childhood and adolescence with mental and physical consequences needing appropriate intervention by caregivers and health care providers (HCPs). The objective of the study, conducted at a tertiary teaching hospital and public school in north India, was to develop validated questionnaires to evaluate childhood and adolescent sleep awareness in caregivers and HCPs. The study participants (caregivers represented by parents of 2-18 year olds attending a public school and of those attending outpatient services at the study hospital and HCPs represented by medical interns and nursing graduates within 1 year of graduation) were enrolled after appropriate screening. Two separate questionnaires in English for caregivers (also translated in Hindi) and HCPs were applied on 313 caregivers and 175 HCPs (110 medical interns and 65 nursing graduates) and developed and validated with a Cronbach α of 0.73 and 0.74, respectively. The questionnaires covered three domains: sleep hygiene, sleep related health problems, and miscellaneous. Both group of respondents had >50% correct responses in sleep hygiene. The ĸ agreement between knowledge and practice of sleep hygiene in caregivers was 0.2. Poor response (<50% correct responses) was seen in sleep-related health problems in both groups of respondents implying knowledge deficit in various sleep disorders. The HCPs performed poorly on basic theoretical questions in miscellaneous domain. For consultation of sleep problems, most caregivers (48%) chose pediatricians. There is a need to strengthen undergraduate medical and nursing curriculum in sleep. Caregivers should be made aware of implications of unhealthy sleep. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim Different deposition patterns and grading systems used to define and identify DAI remain discordant and to date these are a challenge in clinical practice. Our main objective was to study the post-mortem axonal changes and develop a grading system to identify DAI on the basis of histopathological and immunoreactive β-amyloid precursor protein (β-APP) observations in severe TBI cases. Methods Prospective study with 35 decedents with sTBI (GCS score ≤ 8) was conducted and samples were collected from three different sites–corpus callosum, thalamus and brain stem. Serial sections from each site were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of β-APP. Results We developed a grading system based on histopathological characteristics to assess the overall damage of axonal injury. We found maximum histopathological changes in cases with prolonged stay. Corpus callosum showed maximum changes in both gradings. Curiously, we also detected axonal swellings with H&E staining. Usually neglected, the thalamus also showed significant histopathological and immunoreactive changes for sTBI. Conclusion Our study based on histopathological and β-APP scoring system to define and identify DAI thus facilitates accurate diagnosis of DAI post mortem, which has forensic implications, and may further contribute toward survival and improvement of quality of life of sTBI patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Calcium has been shown to play a vital role in the pathophysiology of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 and middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus diseases, but less is known about hypocalcemia in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients and its association with the disease severity and the final outcome. Therefore, this study was conducted with an aim to assess clinical features in COVID-19 patients having hypocalcemia and to observe its impact on COVID-19 disease severity and the final outcome. Methods In this retrospective study, consecutive COVID-19 patients of all age groups were enrolled. Demographical, clinical, and laboratory details were collected and analyzed. On the basis of albumin-corrected calcium levels, patients were classified into normocalcemic (n = 51) and hypocalcemic (n = 110) groups. Death was the primary outcome. Results The mean age of patients in the hypocalcemic group was significantly lower (p < 0.05). A significantly higher number of hypocalcemic patients had severe COVID-19 infection (92.73%; p < 0.01), had comorbidities (82.73%, p < 0.05), and required ventilator support (39.09%; p < 0.01) compared with normocalcemic patients. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the hypocalcemic patients (33.63%; p < 0.05). Hemoglobin (p < 0.01), hematocrit (p < 0.01), and red cell count (p < 0.01) were significantly lower with higher levels of absolute neutrophil count (ANC; p < 0.05) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR; p < 0.01) in the hypocalcemic patients. Albumin-corrected calcium levels had a significant positive correlation with hemoglobin levels, hematocrit, red cell count, total protein, albumin, and albumin-to-globulin ratio and a significant negative correlation with ANC and NLR. Conclusion The disease severity, ventilator requirement, and mortality were considerably higher in hypocalcemic COVID-19 patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D are widely recognized and a few studies have been conducted to determine its utility in the treatment of tuberculosis, with mixed results. This study was conducted to see if vitamin D supplementation in patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) in the Indian population contributed to sputum smear and culture conversion as well as the prevention of relapse. Methods: This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial was conducted in three sites in India. HIV negative participants aged 15–60 years with sputum smear positive PTB were recruited according to the Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program guidelines and were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive standard anti-tubercular treatment (ATT) with either supplemental dose of oral vitamin D3 (60,000 IU/sachet weekly for first two months, fortnightly for next four months followed by monthly for the next 18 months) or placebo with same schedule. The primary outcome was relapse of PTB and secondary outcomes were time to conversion of sputum smear and sputum culture. Results: A total of 846 participants were enrolled between February 1, 2017 to February 27, 2021, and randomly assigned to receive either 60,000 IU vitamin D3 (n = 424) or placebo (n = 422) along with standard ATT. Among the 697 who were cured of PTB, relapse occurred in 14 participants from the vitamin D group and 19 participants from the placebo group (hazard risk ratio 0.68, 95%CI 0.34 to 1.37, log rank p value 0.29). Similarly, no statistically significant difference was seen in time to sputum smear and sputum culture conversion between both groups. Five patients died each in vitamin D and placebo groups, but none of the deaths were attributable to the study intervention. Serum levels of vitamin D were significantly raised in the vitamin D group as compared to the placebo group, with other blood parameters not showing any significant difference between groups. Conclusions: The study reveals that vitamin D supplementation does not seem to have any beneficial effect in the treatment of PTB in terms to the prevention of relapse and time to sputum smear and culture conversion. Trial registration: CTRI/2021/02/030977 (ICMR, Clinical trial registry-India). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality, morbidity, disability, and socioeconomic losses in the Indian subcontinent. However, for policymaking and research, there is a lack of reliable and larger data in our settings. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate and describe the epidemiological, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of patients with TBI in a Level 1 Trauma Center in India. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, all patients with moderate or severe TBI, based on emergency department Glasgow Coma Scale, admitted to neurosurgery Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during May 2010-July 2012 were evaluated to provide detailed information on TBI-related variables and outcomes using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 1527 patients with moderate or severe TBI patients with mean age 32.15 ± 16.76 years (range: 1-90) and male:female ratio 6.5:1, 1281 (83.89%) had severe TBI. The majority of cases took place in the age group of 21-40 years (50.24%) with the most common mode of injury as road traffic accidents (RTAs) (64.96%). Surgical intervention (craniotomy) was done in 49.12% of patients. About 34.58% (n = 528) patients died in hospital, and 67.21% (n = 701) had unfavorable outcome at 6 months. Conclusions: This is the first study of its kind from the Indian subcontinent that gives data on the admission characteristics, mortality, and 6 months outcome of such patients. Most of the injuries occurred due to RTAs, more common among the economic productive age groups and mostly in males with a high rate of mortality and unfavorable outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in Parkinson's Disease (PD) lacks universally agreed definition and its components. A conceptual framework helps in understanding the essential domains and their inter-relationship while developing patient reported outcome measure. Aim: To construct a conceptual framework for developing HRQoL scale in PD. Materials and Methods: A panel of 7 experts extracted 6 major domains for measuring HRQoL in PD from literature review including 8 disease specific scales for PD, 2 books on quality of life, 5 websites, relevant articles; and content analysis of semistructured interviews of stakeholders (28 persons with PD, 6 caregivers and 9 clinicians). Extracted domains were subjected to consensus of stakeholders (7 persons with PD, 7 caregivers and 7 clinicians) on 7 point Likert scale. The panel constructed a conceptual framework and a definition of HRQoL in PD in context of available guidelines for developing patient reported outcome measures. Results: The extracted domains were physical, non motor symptom, psychological, family/social, finance and treatment domains. Median of all six domains on 7 point Likert scale was 7 and inter-quartile distance was <1 in consensus agreement. The conceptual framework consisted of indicator domains and causal domains. Indicator domains (physical, psychological, and social and family) estimate the influence of causal domains (motor symptoms, non motor symptoms, finance and treatment) on quality of life. The definition emphasizes upon the person's perception of their symptoms and its impact on their lives. Conclusion: This study defined and developed a conceptual framework for HRQoL scale for PD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: High burden of anaemia exists amongst rural adolescent girls in India. The objective of this study was to characterise anaemia in school going adolescent girls in rural Haryana, India. Design: Linear and multiple logistic regression analysis of data collected prior to an intervention trial was conducted. Participants were classified into anaemic (haemoglobin <12 g/dl) and non-anaemic group and were further classified into deficiencies of Fe, folate or vitamin B12, mixed, anaemia of other causes and inflammation. Setting: Three schools in Ballabgarh block of Faridabad District, Haryana, India. Participants: One hundered and ninety-eight non-anaemic and 202 anaemic adolescent girls (12–19 years). Results: Anaemic girls had 29·6 % Fe deficiency, 28·1 % folate or vitamin B12 deficiency, 15·8 % mixed deficiency and 9·7 % acute inflammation. Anaemia of other causes was found in 16·8 % of the anaemic participants. Girls with Fe and isolated folate deficiency had 2·5 times and four times higher odds of developing anaemia, respectively, as compared with non-anaemic girls. Fe deficiency with no anaemia was found amongst 11 % non-anaemic girls. Non-anaemic girls had a high prevalence of combined deficiency of folate or vitamin B12 (29·5 %) and acute inflammation (14·4 %). Conclusions: The current strategy of Fe and folic acid supplementation alone will not suffice for achieving the desired reduction in the prevalence of anaemia as unknown causes and anaemia of inflammation contribute to a substantial proportion of anaemia. Integrating other nutrition-specific components like improving water, sanitation and hygiene practices with the ongoing micronutrient supplementation program will comprehensively tackle anaemia. Unknown causes of anaemia warrant further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background & objectives: Studies assessing the spatial and temporal association of ambient air pollution with emergency room visits of patients having acute respiratory symptoms in Delhi are lacking. Therefore, the present study explored the relationship between spatio-temporal variation of particulate matter (PM)2.5 concentrations and air quality index (AQI) with emergency room (ER) visits of patients having acute respiratory symptoms in Delhi using the geographic information system (GIS) approach. Methods: The daily number of ER visits of patients having acute respiratory symptoms (less than or equal to two weeks) was recorded from the ER of four hospitals of Delhi from March 2018 to February 2019. Daily outdoor PM2.5 concentrations and air quality index (AQI) were obtained from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee. Spatial distribution of patients with acute respiratory symptoms visiting ER, PM2.5 concentrations and AQI were mapped for three seasons of Delhi using ArcGIS software. Results: Of the 70,594 patients screened from ER, 18,063 eligible patients were enrolled in the study. Winter days had poor AQI compared to moderate and satisfactory AQI during summer and monsoon days, respectively. None of the days reported good AQI (<50). During winters, an increase in acute respiratory ER visits of patients was associated with higher PM2.5 concentrations in the highly polluted northwest region of Delhi. In contrast, a lower number of acute respiratory ER visits of patients were seen from the ‘moderately polluted’ south-west region of Delhi with relatively lower PM2.5 concentrations. Interpretation & conclusions: Acute respiratory ER visits of patients were related to regional PM2.5 concentrations and AQI that differed during the three seasons of Delhi. The present study provides [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Systematic reviews conducted on sleep disturbances in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have found inconsistent results due to the presence of several moderating variables which were not controlled for in previous studies. The aim of this study was to examine sleep disturbances in children with ADHD compared to their typically developing peers after controlling for moderating variables (age, sex, medication status, body mass index, and psychiatric and medical comorbidities). Methods: ADHD was diagnosed using DSM-IV-TR criteria (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and Conners' Parent Rating Scales. Children recruited (aged 6–12 years) for the ADHD group (n = 40) met the following criteria: IQ > 80, unmedicated, and no psychiatric or medical comorbidities. The control group consisted of age- and sex-matched typically developing peers (n = 40). Sleep was assessed subjectively (through parent reported questionnaires and sleep logs) and objectively (using video polysomnography). Results: 65% of children with ADHD had a sleep disorder, as compared to 17% of controls. The ADHD group reported more sleep disturbances and disorders, both on subjective measures and objective measures. Conclusions: Sleep disturbances and primary sleep disorders in children with ADHD exist independent of moderating variables and differences in sleep assessment methods, thereby bolstering support for previously documented literature on the ADHD and sleep connection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the effect of a short-term yoga-based lifestyle intervention on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in overweight and obese persons. Design and setting: Nonrandomized, single-arm interventional study conducted from August 2012 to March 2015 at Integral Health Clinic, Department of Physiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India. Participants: Overweight (body-mass index [BMI], 23-24.9 kg/m2) and obese (BMI, ≥25 kg/m2) persons (n = 279) aged 20-60 years. Intervention: Pretested yoga-based lifestyle intervention, including asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing exercises), relaxation techniques, lectures, group support, nutrition awareness program, and individualized advice. Outcome measures: Primary outcome measure was HRQOL, measured by using short version of World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) questionnaire. Secondary outcome measures were anthropometric variables, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, lipid profile, and fasting glucose. A subgroup analysis according to sex was also performed. Results: The overall quality of life and health improved after short-term yoga-based lifestyle intervention in overweight and obese persons. Physical, psychological and environmental domain scores significantly increased from baseline to day 10, and efficacy was noted in both male and female subgroups. After 10 days of intervention, the following also decreased significantly: body weight, BMI, total body fat, waist and hip circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and fasting glucose. Conclusion: A short-term yoga-based lifestyle intervention had a positive effect on HRQOL in overweight and obese persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify the best performing prognostic model using admission characteristics to predict mortality at 30 days and functioning outcome at 6-months post-admission in patients with moderate or severe brain injury. Methods: Using a retrospective database (n = 1466 patients) of a tertiary trauma care centre, three different models were developed using logistic regression methods for predicting mortality and functioning outcome. The performance of the models was assessed in terms of discrimination and calibration. The models were validated using split sample method. For facilitating clinical usefulness, score charts were derived from the regression models. Results: The variables motor score, hypotension, pupillary reactivity, age, creatinine level, limb movement (hemiparesis), and tSAH/IVH were found to be the most predictive independent prognostic factors of both mortality and functioning outcome. For both the outcomes, discriminative ability of the three prognostic models was excellent in the development dataset (AUC = 0.845–-0.905) as well as the validation data set (AUC = 0.836–0.880). Calibration in the validation data set for model-2 was good (H-L test p-value > 0.05); however, for model-1 and model-3, it was poor (H-L test p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: For clinical decision-making, model-2 is recommended on the basis of good performance in predicting outcomes in patients with moderate or severe TBI in India and other similar countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury, one of the most toxic heavy metals, is ubiquitous in environment. The adverse health impact of mercury on living organisms is well known. The health care facilities are one of the important sources of mercury release into the atmosphere as mercury items are extensively used in hospitals. To assess the awareness about mercury toxicity and the knowledge of proper handling and disposal of mercury-containing items in health care set–up, a questionnaire-based survey was carried out amongst doctors (n = 835), nurses (n = 610) and technicians (n = 393) in government hospitals, corporate hospitals and primary health care centres in the Indian states of Delhi, Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The study was conducted using a tool-containing pretested structured multiple-choice questionnaire. Analysis of the results using STATA 11.1 software highlighted that overall awareness was more in corporate sector. However, percentage range of knowledge of respondents irrespective of health care sector was only between 20 and 40%. Despite the commitment of various hospitals to be mercury free, mercury containing-thermometer/sphygmomanometer are still preferred by health professionals. The likely reasons are availability, affordability, accuracy and convenience in use. There is an urgent need for source reduction, recycling and waste minimization. Emphasis must be laid on mercury alternative products, education and training of health personnel and public at large, about correct handling and proper clean up of spills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy of a Neurofacilitation of Developmental Reaction (NFDR) approach with that of a Conventional approach in the modulation of tone in children with neurodevelopmental delay. Methods: Experimental control design. A total of 30 spastic children ranging in age from 4 to 7 years with neurodevelopmental delay were included. Baseline evaluations of muscle tone and gross motor functional performance abilities were performed. The children were allocated into two intervention groups of 15 subjects each. In groups A and B, the NFDR and conventional approaches were applied, respectively, for 3 months and were followed by subsequent re-evaluations. Results: Between group analyses were performed using independent t test for tone and primitive reflex intensity and a Mann-Whitney U test for gross motor functional ability. For the within-group analyses, paired t tests were used for tone and primitive reflex intensity, and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for gross motor functional ability. Conclusion: The NFDR approach/technique prepares the muscle to undergo tonal modulation and thereby enhances motor development and improves the motor functional performance abilities of the children with neurodevelopmental delay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To non-invasively quantify pancreatic fibrosis and grade severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on dual-energy CT (DECT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).We included 72 patients (mean age:30years; 59 men) with suspected or confirmed CP from December 2019 to December 2021 graded as equivocal(n = 20), mild(n = 18), and moderate-marked(n = 34) using composite imaging and endoscopic ultrasound criteria. Study patients underwent multiphasic DECT and mpMRI of the abdomen. Normalized iodine concentration(NIC) and fat fraction(FF) on 6-minute delayed DECT, and T1 relaxation time(T1Rt), extracellular volume fraction(ECVf), intravoxel incoherent motion-based perfusion fraction(PF), and magnetization transfer ratio(MTR) on mpMRI of pancreas were compared. 20 renal donors(for DECT) and 20 patients with renal mass(for mpMRI) served as controls.NIC of pancreas in controls and progressive grades of CP were 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.80 ± 0.18, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.40 ± 0.36, FF were 9.28 ± 5.89, 14.19 ± 5.29, 17.31 ± 5.99, 29.32 ± 12.22, T1Rt were 590.11 ± 61.13, 801.93 ± 211.01, 1006.79 ± 352.18, 1388.01 ± 312.23ms, ECVf were 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.12, 0.41 ± 0.12, 0.53 ± 0.13, PF were 0.38 ± 0.04, 0.28 ± 0.07, 0.25 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.05 and MTR were 0.12 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.06, 0.21 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively. There were significant differences for all quantitative parameters between controls and mild CP; for NIC, PF, and ECVf between controls and progressive CP grades (p < 0.05). Area under curve for NIC, FF, T1Rt, ECVf, PF, and MTR in differentiating controls and mild CP were 1.00, 0.86, 0.95, 1.00, 0.90 and 0.84 respectively and for NIC, FF, ECVf and PF in differentiating controls and equivocal CP were 1.00, 0.76, 0.95 and 0.92 respectively.DECT and mpMRI were useful in quantifying pancreatic fibrosis and grading the severity of CP. NIC was the most accurate marker.Methods: To non-invasively quantify pancreatic fibrosis and grade severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on dual-energy CT (DECT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).We included 72 patients (mean age:30years; 59 men) with suspected or confirmed CP from December 2019 to December 2021 graded as equivocal(n = 20), mild(n = 18), and moderate-marked(n = 34) using composite imaging and endoscopic ultrasound criteria. Study patients underwent multiphasic DECT and mpMRI of the abdomen. Normalized iodine concentration(NIC) and fat fraction(FF) on 6-minute delayed DECT, and T1 relaxation time(T1Rt), extracellular volume fraction(ECVf), intravoxel incoherent motion-based perfusion fraction(PF), and magnetization transfer ratio(MTR) on mpMRI of pancreas were compared. 20 renal donors(for DECT) and 20 patients with renal mass(for mpMRI) served as controls.NIC of pancreas in controls and progressive grades of CP were 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.80 ± 0.18, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.40 ± 0.36, FF were 9.28 ± 5.89, 14.19 ± 5.29, 17.31 ± 5.99, 29.32 ± 12.22, T1Rt were 590.11 ± 61.13, 801.93 ± 211.01, 1006.79 ± 352.18, 1388.01 ± 312.23ms, ECVf were 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.12, 0.41 ± 0.12, 0.53 ± 0.13, PF were 0.38 ± 0.04, 0.28 ± 0.07, 0.25 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.05 and MTR were 0.12 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.06, 0.21 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively. There were significant differences for all quantitative parameters between controls and mild CP; for NIC, PF, and ECVf between controls and progressive CP grades (p < 0.05). Area under curve for NIC, FF, T1Rt, ECVf, PF, and MTR in differentiating controls and mild CP were 1.00, 0.86, 0.95, 1.00, 0.90 and 0.84 respectively and for NIC, FF, ECVf and PF in differentiating controls and equivocal CP were 1.00, 0.76, 0.95 and 0.92 respectively.DECT and mpMRI were useful in quantifying pancreatic fibrosis and grading the severity of CP. NIC was the most accurate marker.Results: To non-invasively quantify pancreatic fibrosis and grade severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on dual-energy CT (DECT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).We included 72 patients (mean age:30years; 59 men) with suspected or confirmed CP from December 2019 to December 2021 graded as equivocal(n = 20), mild(n = 18), and moderate-marked(n = 34) using composite imaging and endoscopic ultrasound criteria. Study patients underwent multiphasic DECT and mpMRI of the abdomen. Normalized iodine concentration(NIC) and fat fraction(FF) on 6-minute delayed DECT, and T1 relaxation time(T1Rt), extracellular volume fraction(ECVf), intravoxel incoherent motion-based perfusion fraction(PF), and magnetization transfer ratio(MTR) on mpMRI of pancreas were compared. 20 renal donors(for DECT) and 20 patients with renal mass(for mpMRI) served as controls.NIC of pancreas in controls and progressive grades of CP were 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.80 ± 0.18, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.40 ± 0.36, FF were 9.28 ± 5.89, 14.19 ± 5.29, 17.31 ± 5.99, 29.32 ± 12.22, T1Rt were 590.11 ± 61.13, 801.93 ± 211.01, 1006.79 ± 352.18, 1388.01 ± 312.23ms, ECVf were 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.12, 0.41 ± 0.12, 0.53 ± 0.13, PF were 0.38 ± 0.04, 0.28 ± 0.07, 0.25 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.05 and MTR were 0.12 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.06, 0.21 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively. There were significant differences for all quantitative parameters between controls and mild CP; for NIC, PF, and ECVf between controls and progressive CP grades (p < 0.05). Area under curve for NIC, FF, T1Rt, ECVf, PF, and MTR in differentiating controls and mild CP were 1.00, 0.86, 0.95, 1.00, 0.90 and 0.84 respectively and for NIC, FF, ECVf and PF in differentiating controls and equivocal CP were 1.00, 0.76, 0.95 and 0.92 respectively.DECT and mpMRI were useful in quantifying pancreatic fibrosis and grading the severity of CP. NIC was the most accurate marker.Conclusion: To non-invasively quantify pancreatic fibrosis and grade severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP) on dual-energy CT (DECT) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).We included 72 patients (mean age:30years; 59 men) with suspected or confirmed CP from December 2019 to December 2021 graded as equivocal(n = 20), mild(n = 18), and moderate-marked(n = 34) using composite imaging and endoscopic ultrasound criteria. Study patients underwent multiphasic DECT and mpMRI of the abdomen. Normalized iodine concentration(NIC) and fat fraction(FF) on 6-minute delayed DECT, and T1 relaxation time(T1Rt), extracellular volume fraction(ECVf), intravoxel incoherent motion-based perfusion fraction(PF), and magnetization transfer ratio(MTR) on mpMRI of pancreas were compared. 20 renal donors(for DECT) and 20 patients with renal mass(for mpMRI) served as controls.NIC of pancreas in controls and progressive grades of CP were 0.24 ± 0.05, 0.80 ± 0.18, 1.06 ± 0.23, 1.40 ± 0.36, FF were 9.28 ± 5.89, 14.19 ± 5.29, 17.31 ± 5.99, 29.32 ± 12.22, T1Rt were 590.11 ± 61.13, 801.93 ± 211.01, 1006.79 ± 352.18, 1388.01 ± 312.23ms, ECVf were 0.07 ± 0.03, 0.30 ± 0.12, 0.41 ± 0.12, 0.53 ± 0.13, PF were 0.38 ± 0.04, 0.28 ± 0.07, 0.25 ± 0.09, 0.21 ± 0.05 and MTR were 0.12 ± 0.03, 0.15 ± 0.06, 0.21 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.06, respectively. There were significant differences for all quantitative parameters between controls and mild CP; for NIC, PF, and ECVf between controls and progressive CP grades (p < 0.05). Area under curve for NIC, FF, T1Rt, ECVf, PF, and MTR in differentiating controls and mild CP were 1.00, 0.86, 0.95, 1.00, 0.90 and 0.84 respectively and for NIC, FF, ECVf and PF in differentiating controls and equivocal CP were 1.00, 0.76, 0.95 and 0.92 respectively.DECT and mpMRI were useful in quantifying pancreatic fibrosis and grading the severity of CP. NIC was the most accurate marker. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evaluation of fluorescein along with blue dye as an affordable tracer for sentinel node biopsy in comparison with technetium + methylene blue. A randomized trial was conducted with the following objectives: (1) to demonstrate that the identification of sentinel lymph node by fluorescein + methylene blue is not inferior to the identification by Tc-99 m sulfur colloid + methylene blue and (2) to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sentinel node biopsy by above two tracers. Subjects and Methods: One-thirty patients above age 18 years presenting with early breast cancer T1, T2, N0 breast carcinoma were randomized to undergo sentinel node biopsy by either fluorescein + methylene blue or Tc-99 m sulfur colloid + methylene blue. Results: The sentinel lymph nodes were identified in 89% in Fluorescein + methylene blue group and 90.9% with Tc-99 m sulfur colloid + methylene blue group. The trial demonstrated noninferiority of fluorescein + methylene blue as compared to isotope + methylene blue with effect size = 1; 95% confidence interval-9.54 to + 11.54. The fluorescein + methylene blue was more cost-effective than isotope guided sentinel node biopsy. Conclusion: Fluorescein-guided sentinel node biopsy is noninferior and more cost-effective than isotope-guided sentinel node biopsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common cutaneous side effect of capecitabine therapy. Apart from oral cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib), there are no proven strategies for the prevention of HFS. However, celecoxib is associated with significant cardiotoxicity. To date, no study has evaluated the role of topical COX inhibitor, diclofenac. In this study, we aim to compare topical 1% diclofenac gel with placebo in the prevention of capecitabine-induced HFS.Methods: This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group superiority trial: the Diclofenac Topical in Reducing Capecitabine induced HFS (D-TORCH) study. A total of 264 patients with breast and gastrointestinal malignancies will be randomly allocated (stratified by sex and type of therapy [monotherapy or combination regimen with capecitabine]) to receive either 1% topical diclofenac or placebo that will be applied over the palmar and dorsal surface of the hands twice daily whilst taking capecitabine for 12 weeks. The patients will be followed up until the end of four cycles. The primary objective of this study is to compare the effect of topical diclofenac with placebo in preventing HFS (incidence of NCI CTCAEv5.0 grade 2 or higher HFS). The secondary objective is to compare the effect of topical diclofenac with placebo on preventing all grades of HFS (incidence of NCI CTCv5.0 all grade HFS), time to develop HFS (from the start of capecitabine), patient-reported outcomes (PROs) (HF-HRQoL questionnaire), adherence with the application (self-reported), capecitabine dose changes (number of patients with dose modifications due to HFS) and safety profile (NCICTCv5.0 all grade HFS) DISCUSSION: The D-TORCH study aims to determine if 1% topical diclofenac reduces the incidence of grade 2 or higher HFS in patients receiving capecitabine. To date, there have been a lot of trials for hand-foot syndrome prevention using agents like pyridoxine, vitamin E, carvedilol, and various polyherbal formulations, but none has been found successful. If the trial meets the primary end point, 1% topical diclofenac will be the new standard of care for HFS prevention.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials Registry of India  CTRI/2021/01/030592 . Prospectively registered on January 19, 2021. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Sleep disorders are common in children and adolescents. Polysomnography is the gold‐standard diagnostic method; however, it is a tedious procedure. The objective of the study was to develop a screening questionnaire for sleep problems based on International Classification of Sleep Disorders‐3 in children and adolescents, and validate it with clinical evaluation and polysomnography. A questionnaire was developed in English and Hindi with content validation by eight multidisciplinary experts. Respondents were parents of children and adolescents, aged 2–18 years, recruited from a public school and a tertiary care teaching hospital in north India. A subset of these children and adolescents underwent overnight polysomnography and detailed clinical evaluation within 4 weeks of applying the questionnaire. The questionnaire, named Childhood and Adolescent Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire, contains primary questions covering all subgroups of disorders under International Classification of Sleep Disorders‐3, and secondary questions on sleep hygiene and comorbidities. The questionnaire was filled by 750 respondents, out of which 100 cases underwent polysomnography and clinical evaluation. The internal consistency in the form of Cronbach's α was 0.8 for the questionnaire. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for the questionnaire in identifying those with sleep problems compared with detailed clinical and polysomnographic evaluations were 85%, 100%, 100% and 62.5%, respectively. For individual subgroups of disorders, the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values varied between 72.7% and 100%, 88.9% and 100%, 62.5% and 100% and 81.6% and 100%, respectively. The Childhood and Adolescent Sleep Evaluation Questionnaire has good psychometric properties, moreover, its simplicity and translatability make it ideal for use at the community and hospital settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ivermectin is an antiparasitic drug which has in-vitro efficacy in reducing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) viral load. Hence, Ivermectin is under investigation as a repurposed agent for treating COVID-19. In this pilot, double blind, randomized controlled trial, hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19 were assigned to a single oral administration of an elixir formulation of Ivermectin at either 24 mg or 12 mg dose, or placebo in a 1:1:1 ratio. The co-primary outcomes were conversion of RT-PCR to negative result and the decline of viral load at day 5 of enrolment. Safety outcomes included total and serious adverse events. The primary outcomes were assessed in patients who had positive RT-PCR at enrolment (modified intention-to-treat population). Safety outcomes were assessed in all patients who received the intervention (intention-to-treat population). Among the 157 patients randomized, 125 were included in modified intention-to-treat analysis. 40 patients each were assigned to Ivermectin 24 mg and 12 mg, and 45 patients to placebo. The RT-PCR negativity at day 5 was higher in the two Ivermectin arms but failed to attain statistical significance (Ivermectin 24 mg, 47.5%; 12 mg arm, 35.0%; and placebo arm, 31.1%; p-value = 0.30). The decline of viral load at day 5 was similar in each arm. No serious adverse events occurred. In patients with mild and moderate COVID-19, a single oral administration of Ivermectin did not significantly increase either the negativity of RT-PCR or decline in viral load at day 5 of enrolment compared with placebo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This Systematic Review was conducted to evaluate the global status of the knowledge of prevention and emergency management of traumatic dental injuries among non-dental healthcare professionals (NDHCP).Methods: The protocol was designed as per PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020192381). A broad-based search using text-words and MeSH terms was performed in established databases as per a predefined strategy without any distinction of language and year of publication. Studies without details of the questionnaire, knowledge score, validity and reliability were excluded. Data extraction was performed and risk of bias assessment was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool and a meta-analysis was performed.Results: The qualitative synthesis included 14 studies between 2009-2020 with nine of them from Asia. Majority of the studies had low risk of bias and reported poor overall level of knowledge. Less than 40% of the NDHCP had received a dental trauma first aid training in six of the 10 studies and majority of the participants (>50%) believed that dental trauma training was required in five studies. Less than 36% of the participants were adequately aware of the correct approach towards management of avulsed permanent tooth in five studies.Conclusion: The knowledge of non-dental health care professionals regarding the emergency management of traumatic dental injuries was insufficient or low in the majority of studies and the knowledge about prevention was not evaluated. There was a paucity of studies from the countries of Europe and Australia, with wide variability in the study methods, categories of the participants and questionnaire characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Progress has been made in the reduction of under-five mortality in India; however, neonatal mortality is reducing at a slower rate. Efforts are required to bring down neonatal mortality in order to attain the Sustainable Development Goal-3. Prevention of sepsis among the high-risk, vulnerable low birth weight neonates by a newer intervention with probiotic supplementation is promising.Methods: A phase III, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study is being conducted at six sites in India. A total of 6144 healthy low birth weight (LBW) infants fulfilling the eligibility criteria would be enrolled within the first week of life, after obtaining written informed consent from the parents of the infant. Randomization in 1:1 ratio, stratified by site, sex, and birth weight, would be done through an interactive web response system (IWRS) using a standard web browser and email service. Vivomixx®, a probiotic containing a mix of 8 strains of bacteria, in a suspension form standardized to deliver 10 billion CFU/ml, or an organoleptically similar placebo would be fed to enrolled infants in a 1-ml/day dose for 30 days. The follow-up of enrolled infants for 60 days would take place as per a pre-specified schedule for recording morbidities and outcome assessments at the six participating sites. Screening for morbidities would be conducted by trained field workers in the community, and sick infants would be referred to designated clinics/hospitals. A physician would examine the referred infants presenting with complaints and clinical signs, and blood samples would be collected from sick infants for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis by performing sepsis screen and blood culture. Appropriate treatment would be provided as per hospital protocol. The study would be implemented as per the MRC guideline for the management of Global Health Trials in accordance with ICH-GCP and Indian Regulatory guidelines. A contract research organization would be engaged for comprehensive monitoring and quality assurance. The final analysis would be conducted in a blinded manner as per the statistical analysis plan (SAP) to estimate the primary outcomes of sepsis, possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI), and secondary outcomes. The codes will be broken after DMC permission. The protocol has been reviewed by the Research Ethics Committee of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (REC-LSTM), from Research Ethics Committees of the six subject recruitment participating sites.Discussion: This adequately powered and well-designed trial would conclusively answer the question whether probiotics can prevent neonatal sepsis in the high-risk group of low birth weight infants as indicated by a pilot study in 1340 LBW infants, evidence from systematic reviews of hospital-based studies, and a primary study on healthy newborns in Orissa. Results of the study would be generalizable to India and other low-middle-income countries.Trial Registration: Clinical Trial Registry of India (CTRI) CTRI/2019/05/019197 . Registered on 16 May 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental professionals are the primary care providers for traumatic dental injuries (TDI). The dental traumatology literature has a number of studies evaluating the knowledge of dental professionals from different parts of the world but its global status is unknown. Hence, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the global status of knowledge for the prevention and emergency management of TDI in dental professionals and to provide recommendations for future research. Materials and Methods: The protocol was designed as per the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020192381). A broad‐based search using text words and MeSH terms was performed in established databases as per a pre‐defined strategy without any distinction of language and year of publication. Studies without details of the questionnaire, knowledge score, validity and reliability were excluded. Data extraction was performed, risk of bias assessment was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute's critical appraisal tool, and a meta‐analysis was performed. Results: Sixteen studies, which had been published between 2008 and 2020, were included for qualitative synthesis. Most of them were cross‐sectional, used convenience sampling and evaluated knowledge for avulsion. Previous dental trauma training was undertaken by <50% of the participants of five studies, <50% knew about the correct approach in management of complicated crown fractures in three studies and ≤60% in four studies knew the critical time for replantation. There was insufficient level of knowledge in >50% of the included studies. High risk of bias was found in three studies. Conclusion: The knowledge level in several areas of the world was unknown. The studies lacked uniformity in methods and well‐designed questionnaires and they revealed insufficient levels of knowledge among dental professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of sleep-disordered breathing is high in children with Down syndrome. Although the association between sleep-disordered breathing and developmental delay and behavioral abnormalities are proven among typically developing children, there are few such studies of children with Down syndrome. This study assesses the relationship between the severity of sleep apnea and development and behavioral abnormalities in individuals with Down syndrome.Methods: In a cross-sectional prospective study, 53 children with Down syndrome were assessed for sleep-disordered breathing by overnight polysomnography. Behavior was assessed using Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and developmental quotient (DQ) using Developmental Profile 3. The association between various domains of behavior and development with the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) was assessed using Spearman rank correlation. Multiple linear regression assessed the independent effects of various factors on development and behavior.Results: Of 53 subjects (three to 11.8 years), 51 (96%) were found to have obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In both three to five year and six to 12 year age groups, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the CBCL scores and the AHI (rho = 0.77 and 0.83, respectively). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the DQ and the AHI (rho = -0.62). In multiple linear regression, AHI was the only independent variable that was associated with CBCL and DQ.Conclusions: This study provides robust evidence that OSA can negatively influence the development and behavior in children with Down syndrome as in typically developing children. Moreover, with increasing severity of OSA, children with Down syndrome have more behavioral abnormalities, especially attention deficit and hyperactivity, and also have poorer development scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early-stage diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult due to non-specific symptoms. Circulating miRNAs in body fluids have been emerging as potential non-invasive biomarkers for diagnosis of many cancers. Thus, this study aimed to assess a panel of miRNAs for their ability to differentiate PDAC from chronic pancreatitis (CP), a benign inflammatory condition of the pancreas. Next-generation sequencing was performed to identify miRNAs present in 60 FFPE tissue samples (27 PDAC, 23 CP and 10 normal pancreatic tissues). Four up-regulated miRNAs (miR-215-5p, miR-122-5p, miR-192-5p, and miR-181a-2-3p) and four down-regulated miRNAs (miR-30b-5p, miR-216b-5p, miR-320b, and miR-214-5p) in PDAC compared to CP were selected based on next-generation sequencing results. The levels of these 8 differentially expressed miRNAs were measured by qRT-PCR in 125 serum samples (50 PDAC, 50 CP, and 25 healthy controls (HC)). The results showed significant upregulation of miR-215-5p, miR-122-5p, and miR-192-5p in PDAC serum samples. In contrast, levels of miR-30b-5p and miR-320b were significantly lower in PDAC as compared to CP and HC. ROC analysis showed that these 5 miRNAs can distinguish PDAC from both CP and HC. Hence, this panel can serve as a non-invasive biomarker for the early detection of PDAC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess the effect of ambient temperature, humidity and wind speed on disease occurrence in Delhi, India. Data and Methods: Data regarding daily corona cases, temperature, humidity, wind speed, doubling time and basic reproduction number (Ro) was retrieved from online sources. Pearson's coefficient was used to assess the correlation between daily as well as weekly corona cases and various environmental factors. Results: During the study period of 97 days. there was a steady rise in number of corona cases with median (interquartile range) cases per day being 224 (58 to 635). The doubling time demonstrated a strong positive correlation with temperature while Ro had strong negative correlation with temperature (correlation coefficients 0.814 and -0.78, respectively). No significant correlation with humidity or wind speed was observed. Conclusion: Increasing temperature decreases COVID-19 infectivity; however. actual role of environmental factors in expansion of pandemic needs further evaluation globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of this study were to evaluate ENDIT score and develop a novel outcome prediction score for outcome of pediatric convulsive status epilepticus (CSE) at the hospital and 3 months postdischarge. Methods: Children and adolescents aged 1 month to 14 years, presenting with CSE to a tertiary care teaching center in North India from January 2017 to March 2019, were screened for enrollment. In‐hospital and 3‐month postdischarge outcome were defined as poor if Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category Scale (PCPCS) score dropped by ≥2 levels. Results: Overall, 61 patients were enrolled for final analysis after applying exclusion and inclusion criteria. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for ENDIT score in predicting mortality and differentiating good from poor outcome at the hospital and at 3 months postdischarge was 0.74 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.58‐0.89), 0.7 (95% CI = 0.57‐0.83), and 0.72 (95% CI = 0.6‐0.82), respectively. Based on predictors in the present cohort that were significantly different between good and poor outcome cases at the hospital and 3 months postdischarge, a new six‐point score named PEDSS (pre–status epilepticus PCPCS, background electroencephalographic abnormalities, drug refractoriness, semiology, and critical sickness) was developed. The area under ROC curves for PEDSS score in predicting mortality and differentiating good from poor outcome at the hospital and at 3 months postdischarge were 0.93 (95% CI = 0.87‐0.99), 0.8 (95% CI = 0.7‐0.9), and 0.89 (95% CI = 0.8‐0.96), respectively. The best cutoff PEDSS scores for predicting mortality and poor outcome at the hospital and at 3 months postdischarge were ≥4, ≥3, and ≥3, respectively. Significance: The PEDSS score has high predictive accuracy for mortality and differentiating good from poor outcome at the hospital and 3 months postdischarge in pediatric CSE. Future studies should be planned to validate it in various geographical and health care settings and in adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Collectively, uncommon and compound EGFR mutations are detected in 6.5 % of NSCLC patients. • Single exon 20 T790M mutations were the third most frequent EGFR mutations. • Uncommon/compound EGFR mutations showed poor treatment outcomes following EGFR TKI and chemotherapy. Mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) are key driver alterations in lung adenocarcinomas (ADCAs). Exon 19 deletions (exon19del) and exon 21 L858R (L858R) mutations account for 70–90 % of all such alterations and predict sensitivity to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, the predictive value of uncommon and compound EGFR mutations for TKIs has not been clearly established. To assess the spectrum of EGFR mutations in non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), and to compare the treatment responses and outcomes among single common, single uncommon, and compound mutations. The study was of combined retrospective (January 2010–December 2015) and prospective (January 2016–February 2020) design spanning 10 years. Tumor samples from TKI-naive NSCLC patients were tested for EGFR mutations by a qPCR-based method. Objective response rates (ORRs) and survival outcomes were analyzed. In total, 1227 tumor samples were tested. EGFR mutations were detected in 391 samples (31.8 %), and included 79.5 % (311/391) single common (exon19del/L858R), 6.6 % (26/391) single uncommon (non-exon19del/L858R), and 13.8 % (54/391) compound mutations. Exon 20 T790M mutations were most prevalent among uncommon/compound mutations (40/391, 10.2 %). Overall, patients with single uncommon/compound mutations responded poorly to both EGFR TKI (47 % ORR) and chemotherapy (43 % ORR), with significantly shorter time to progression (median 7 months) compared to those with exon19del/L858R mutations (median 14.7 months). Patients with baseline T790M mutations (single/compound) were least responsive to EGFR TKIs (11 % ORR) and chemotherapy (27 % ORR) and showed the shortest progression-free survival compared to other uncommon and compound mutations. Approximately one fifth of EGFR- mutant patients harbor uncommon and compound mutations. Unlike those with exon19del/L858R, these patients—particularly those with baseline T790M mutations—show significantly inferior response rates to treatment (EGFR TKI or chemotherapy) and early disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmodium infections are co-endemic with infections caused by other agents of acute febrile illnesses, such as dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus, Leptospira spp., and Orientia tsutsugamushi. However, co-infections may influence disease severity, treatment outcomes, and development of drug resistance. When we analyzed cases of acute febrile illness at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India, from July 2017 through September 2018, we found that most patients with malaria harbored co-infections (Plasmodium mixed species and other pathogens). DENV was the most common malaria co-infection (44% of total infections). DENV serotype 4 was associated with mild malaria, and Leptospira was associated with severe malaria. We also found the presence of P. knowlesi in our study population. Therefore, in areas with a large number of severe malaria cases, diagnostic screening for all 4 DENV serotypes, Leptospira, and all Plasmodium species should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Autonomic dysfunction forms the diagnostic cornerstone in MSA. Data are limited on autonomic dysfunction differences between the two subtypes, MSA‐C and MSA‐P. Objectives: To assess autonomic dysfunction in MSA subtypes and Parkinson's disease (PD) and compare it to healthy controls. Methods: We conducted a cross‐sectional study. A validated questionnaire (Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease–Autonomic Dysfunction; SCOPA‐AUT) was used for symptom screening. Cardiovascular autonomic testing included deep breathing (change in heart rate, E: I ratio), Valsalva ratio, diastolic blood pressure (BP) rise (hand grip, cold pressor), and postural (tilt, 30:15 ratio) tests. Disease severity was assessed by the Unified MSA Rating Scale (UMSARS), H & Y stage, and International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating scale part III. Results: MSA‐P (48 subjects; age, 63.6 ± 9.7 years; UMSARS, 45.0 ± 16.5), MSA‐C (52 subjects; age, 58.0 ± 8.1 years; UMSARS, 44.0 ± 12.8), PD (50 subjects; age, 57.6 ± 6.7 years), and healthy controls (50 subjects; age, 58.0 ± 8.0 years) were enrolled. MSA patients had higher SCOPA‐AUT scores in gastrointestinal, urinary, cardiovascular, and sexual domains than controls and in gastrointestinal, urinary, and cardiovascular domains compared to PD. The two MSA subtypes did not differ in autonomic dysfunction. Heart‐rate change on tilt and deep breathing, and diastolic BP rise on cold pressor test, differed significantly between MSA and PD patients. Conclusions: Autonomic dysfunction symptomatology and cardiovascular autonomic tests were similar between MSA‐P and MSA‐C patients. Autonomic symptoms were more prominent in MSA than PD. Emphasis on these domains may improve likelihood of accurate clinical diagnosis of MSA at earlier stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Office cystoscopy may be associated with urinary tract infection (UTI) in up to 10–20% of patients. Current practice of surgical part preparation in males with povidone-iodine excludes distal urethra in males, leaving a possibility for resident intra-urethral flora to cause post-procedural UTI. We designed this randomized study to assess whether additional cleaning of distal urethra with povidone-iodine solution can help reduce post-procedural incidence of UTIs in this setting. Additionally, urethral swab culture was done in the entire cohort to identify the prevalent microflora in the distal male urethra and to evaluate its role in causation of post-procedural UTI. Using a specialized urethral swab culture methodology, 85% males demonstrated some bacteria and 16% showed common uro-pathogens. 28 (14.5%) cases had post-procedure culture positive UTI. The incidence of UTI in control group (22%) was significantly more than the intervention group (7%) (p value <0.007). This result strongly supports inclusion of distal urethral irrigation with povidone-iodine in males before office cystoscopy, even when pre-procedure mid-stream urine culture is sterile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metabolic syndrome, a prediabetic and precardiovascular pathologic condition that begins early in life, tracks into adulthood and magnifies with age. Randomized controlled trials evaluating efficacy of yoga-based lifestyle vs. dietary intervention on metabolic syndrome are lacking. Here, the efficacy of a 12-week yoga-based lifestyle intervention vs. dietary intervention on cardio-metabolic risk factors and metabolic syndrome risk scores have been assessed in Indian adults with metabolic syndrome. In this two-arm, open label, parallel group, randomized controlled trial, 260 adults (20–45 years) diagnosed with metabolic syndrome as per joint interim statement, 2009 were randomized to yoga-based (including diet) lifestyle or dietary intervention alone (n = 130, each) for 12 weeks. Primary endpoints were the 12-week changes in cardio-metabolic risk factors and metabolic risk scores. The secondary endpoints were the 12-week changes in the proportion of subjects recovered from metabolic syndrome, dietary intake, and physical activity. Intent-to-treat analysis was performed including all the subjects with baseline data with imputed missing data. Treatment × time interaction showed yoga-based lifestyle intervention had a greater treatment effect over dietary intervention by significantly reducing waist circumference, continuous metabolic syndrome z-score, and dietary intake/day while significantly increasing physical activity. High-density lipoprotein cholesterol showed a significantly greater reduction following dietary intervention than yoga-based lifestyle intervention. A significantly greater proportion of subjects recovered from metabolic syndrome in yoga-based lifestyle (45.4%) vs. dietary intervention group (32.3%). A 12-week yoga-based lifestyle intervention is more efficacious than usual dietary intervention in improving cardio-metabolic risk factor and metabolic risk score in Indian adults with metabolic syndrome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies evaluating neurophysiological correlates of long-term meditation are constrained by some methodological limitations. The objective of this study was to measure changes in the regional cerebral glucose metabolism during meditation using a novel methodological approach. Design: The present study was a part of a larger, nonrandomized, single-center open-label study. Setting/location: The study was conducted at the Department of Physiology and Department of Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography. A dedicated place was set up as a yoga room, away from the positron emission tomography (PET) scanning room in the Department of Nuclear Medicine and Positron Emission Tomography, where meditators performed meditation in a peaceful environment in a sitting posture with eyes closed. The electroencephalography (EEG) was recorded to affirm the meditation objectively. Subjects: Twenty-four sets of PET scans were obtained at 2 different occasions (baseline and postmeditation within 40 min of 18FDG [18fluorodeoxyglucose] injection) from 12 apparently healthy, male, right-handed long-term meditators practicing Preksha meditation (since >5 years, at least 5 days a week) who were recruited from a well-established meditation center in Delhi. Outcome measures: Changes in the regional cerebral glucose metabolism during meditation versus baseline. Results: Regional cluster analysis showed significantly activated well-defined areas of fronto-parieto-temporal regions of the right versus left hemisphere during meditation. Interestingly, right homolog of Broca's area and right lentiform nucleus were hyperactive during meditation in all the meditators. Conclusions: Long-term meditation might potentially enhance the explicit functions of specific parts of the right hemisphere, possibly due to neuroplastic changes in the brain. Importantly, results of the current study are encouraging and show a novel methodological approach to acquire 18FDG PET/CT (computed tomography) images. The study was registered at Clinical Trial Registry India (CTRI), CTRI/2009/091/000727. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The coverage of community-based maternal, neonatal, and child health (MNCH) services remains low, especially in hard-to-reach areas. We evaluated the effectiveness of a mobile-phone-and web-based application, Innovative Mobile-phone Technology for Community Health Operations (ImTeCHO), as a job aid to the government's Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Primary Health Center (PHC) staff to improve coverage of MNCH services in rural tribal communities of Gujarat, India.Methods and Findings: This open cluster-randomized trial was conducted in 22 PHCs in six tribal blocks of Bharuch and Narmada districts in India. The ImTeCHO mobile-phone-and web-based application included various technology-based job aids to facilitate scheduling of home visits, screening for complications, counseling during home visits, and supportive supervision by PHC staff. Primary outcome indicators were a composite index calculated based on coverage of important MNCH services and coverage of at least two home visitations by ASHA within the first week of birth. Primary analysis was intention to treat (ITT). Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) was used to account for clustering. Eleven PHCs each were randomly allocated to the intervention (280 ASHAs, population: 234,134) and control (281 ASHAs, population: 242,809) arms. The intervention was implemented from February, 2016 to January, 2017. At the end of the implementation, 6,493 mothers were surveyed. Most of the surveyed women were tribal (5,571, 85.8%), and reported having a government-issued certificate for living below poverty line (4,916, 75.7%). The coverage of at least two home visits within first week of birth was 32.4% in the intervention clusters compared to 22.9% in the control clusters (adjusted effect size 10.2 [95% CI: 6.4, 14.0], p < 0.001). Mean number of home visits within first week of birth was 1.11 and 0.80 for intervention and control clusters, respectively (adjusted effect size 0.34 [95% CI: 0.23, 0.45], p < 0.001). The composite coverage index was 43.0% in the intervention clusters compared to 38.5% (adjusted effect size 4.9 [95% CI: 0.2, 9.5], p = 0.03) in the control clusters. There were substantial improvements in coverage home visits by ASHAs during antenatal period (adjusted effect size 15.7 [95% CI: 11.0, 20.4], p < 0.001), postnatal period (adjusted effect size 6.4, [95% CI: 3.2, 9.6], p <0.001), early initiation of breastfeeding (adjusted effect size 7.8 [95% CI: 4.2, 11.4], p < 0.001), and exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted effect size 13.4 [95% CI: 8.9, 17.9], p < 0.001). Number of infant and neonatal deaths was similar in the two arms in the ITT analysis. The limitations of the study include potential risk of inaccuracies in reporting events that occurred during pregnancy by the mothers and the duration of intervention being 12 months, which might be considered short.Conclusions: In this study, we found that use of ImTeCHO mobile- and web-based application as a job aid by government ASHAs and PHC staff improved coverage and quality of MNCH services in hard-to-reach areas. Supportive supervision, change management, and timely resolution of technology-related issues were critical implementation considerations to ensure adherence to the intervention.Trial Registration: Study was registered at the Clinical Trial Registry of India (www.ctri.nic.in). Trial number: CTRI/2015/06/005847. The trial was registered (prospective) on 3 June, 2015. First enrollment was done on 26 August, 2015. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterisation of anaemia amongst school going adolescent girls in rural Haryana, India - CORRIGENDUM In the published article, the authors overlooked mentioning that 0.5g/dl was added to the original hemoglobin values to correct for the difference using direct and indirect cyanmethaemoglobin method. Characterisation of anaemia amongst school going adolescent girls in rural Haryana, India. [Extracted from the article]

Introduction: The role of heavy metals in the etio-pathogenesis of ASD is controversial. Paucity of studies from Indian subcontinent with different sociocultural and environmental background prompted the present study. Methods: Sixty children aged three to 12 years with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and 60 age matched controls were enrolled. Detailed history including possible exposure history to various heavy metals was taken. Severity of ASD was assessed using Childhood Autism Rating Scale 2. Blood level of metals was estimated by Inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Results: Mean blood mercury levels in the two groups of ASD and controls was comparable (p = 0.28). Median blood cadmium and arsenic levels were higher in controls possibly due to higher ground water use and insecticide exposure. (7/60 versus 17/60, p = 0.04) and (2/60 versus 7/60, p = 0.08) while mean blood zinc level was lower in controls. Lead was significantly higher in greater proportion of children with ASD. (11/60 vs 1/60, p = 0.002). Children with ASD had significantly higher pica (26/60 versus 10/60, p = 0.001) and higher median number of days of antibiotics during infancy (24.5 (0-120) versus 15 (0-60), p = 0.004). None of the heavy metal tested had significant correlation with the severity of ASD. Conclusions: Mean blood mercury, lead, zinc, arsenic and cadmium did not show significant association with diagnosis of ASD. High levels of toxic metals in both children with ASD and controls points towards an urgent need to contain environmental pollution by heavy metals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Differentiating between neurocysticercosis (NCC) and neurotuberculosis has serious therapeutic implications and this distinction relies heavily on neuroimaging. Few case reports discuss the conglomeration of ring-enhancing lesions (RELs) in patients with solitary NCC. The aim of our study is to describe the imaging findings of conglomerate RELs in a cohort of patients with solitary NCC, emphasizing the frequency of conglomeration. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 100 patients with solitary NCC. Two neuroradiologists analyzed contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) images regarding morphology, enhancement pattern, location, number of lesions, and degree of perilesional edema. The solitary lesions were classified as solitary discrete RELs (SD-RELs) when a well-defined lesion was seen and solitary conglomerate RELs (SC-RELs) when two or more ring lesions or ring/rings plus disc lesions were present contiguously. Follow-up CT scans were evaluated for the resolution of lesions and surrounding edema. Results: Out of 100 patients, 42 were SD-RELs and 58 were SC-RELs. No statistically significant difference was found between both groups in terms of age of presentation, clinical presentation, lesion size and location, and degree of perilesional edema. Larger lesions (>10 mm) were more likely to show scolex and were associated with greater degree of edema in both subgroups. During follow-up, 13 patients had new lesions (SD-RELs-5, SC-RELs-8). In SD-RELs, follow-up lesions were in the same location in four patients and new location in one; and in SC-RELs, lesions were in the same location in seven and in new location in one case. Conclusion: Conglomeration of RELs is a common finding in patients with solitary NCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: F18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F18-FDG PET/CT) can be used to assess changes in the metabolism of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) graft as it is undergoing "ligamentization." Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) is the preferred modality for noninvasive assessment of graft structure and graft vascularity. Purpose: To compare the use of F18-FDG PET/CT and DCE-MRI to assess ligamentization within the ACL graft and correlate the results with clinical tests. Study Design: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. Methods: Among 30 recruited patients, 27 patients (3 females and 24 males) completed 2 follow-up assessments at a mean of 125 ± 22 days and 259 ± 38 days after arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. At both assessments, anterior drawer test, Lachman test, and Lysholm scoring (LS) were conducted. Images from F18-FDG PET/CT and MRI were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively (maximum standardized uptake value [SUVmax], SUVmax ratio to the contralateral side [SUVmax CL], normalized enhancement [NE]) in 3 zones: femoral, intra-articular (IA), and tibial. Of the 27 recruited patients, 1 patient had reinjury due to a fall. Therefore, 26 patients were considered for the final analysis. Results: A significant improvement (P = .0001) was found in median LS, from 78.5 (range, 62-90) to 94.5 (range, 84-100), at the second follow-up. All grafts were found to be viable on PET/CT and vascularized on MRI. All grafts were seen as continuous on MRI, with exception of 1 graft at the second follow-up. Dynamic MRI identified single-vessel supply to all of the grafts at the first follow-up and multiple-vessel supply in 10 patients at the second follow-up. Reduction in the median SUVmax, SUVmax CL, and NE at second follow-up was seen in all 3 zones. Only SUVmax CL in the IA zone showed a significant reduction (P = .032); patients with excellent LS at the second follow-up showed significantly higher reduction (P = .005) than patients with good LS. NE in the IA zone was correlated (0.39; P = .048) with LS only at the first follow-up, whereas SUVmax CL (–0.52; P = .006) and SUVmax (–0.49, P = .010) in the IA zone negatively correlated with LS at the second follow-up only. No correlation was observed between PET/CT and MRI parameters. Conclusion: Glucose metabolism and vascularity in the graft tissue can be used to assess ligamentization of ACL graft. A viable and vascularized graft at first follow-up is associated with good to excellent final outcome, regardless of LS at this stage. Since no correlation was observed between PET/CT and MRI parameters, they may be assessing different domains of the same process. Higher NE in the IA zone at the first follow-up and lower SUVmax CL in the same region at second follow-up are associated with better outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hypertension (HTN) and diabetes mellitus (DM) both are rapidly emerging as public health problems among geriatric population in developing countries. HTN can lead to stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, and chronic kidney diseases among geriatric population. DM increases the risk of coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy among geriatric population. Methodology: A community‑based, cross‑sectional study was conducted during 2015–2016 in District Nainital, Uttarakhand. A list of all villages with their population in the district was developed. From this list, 30 villages were identified using population proportionate to size sampling method. From each village, 30 geriatric subjects were selected. A total of 1003 geriatric subjects age 60 years and above were included in the study. Data were collected on sociodemographic profile, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, anthropometry, and lipid profile from all the enrolled subjects. The prevalence of HTN and DM was assessed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were done to identify risk factors associated with HTN and DM. Results: The prevalence of HTN and DM was found to be 54.5% and 14.6%, respectively. For HTN, advancing age, high educational level and body mass index (BMI) (≥25 kg/m2) and for DM higher education level and BMI (≥25 kg/m2) were found to be significant risk factors. Conclusion: A high prevalence of HTN and DM was found in geriatric population residing in rural area of Uttarakhand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report here a simple, easy-to-practice treatment procedure for anaemia, by focusing on withdrawal of fluoride consumption and promotion of nutrients through diet. The approach to improve nutrient intake as supplementation of iron and folic acid or iron tonic does not yield beneficial results. The reason being highly destructive F- enters the body through food, water, habit forming substances and dental products destroys the lining of the intestine and prevents absorption of nutrients. Testing of Hb, F- in urine, drinking water and body mass index are necessary to assess the problem. The study was made on 2420 adolescent students from 6 schools in Delhi. F-removal through diet editing and improved nutrients through counselling without prescription of drugs led to correction of anaemia. This treatment procedure is beneficial to pregnant and lactating mothers and patients in hospital OPDs due to ill health issues aggravated due to low Hb/anaemia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses breast conservation surgery followed by radiotherapy has the management of choice for early-stage breast cancer. Topics include postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, breast conservation surgery and staged between pT1- 3N0-1M0 have included; and aromatase inhibitors have become the adjuvant hormonal therapy of choice for postmenopausal women tamoxifen continues to used in the premenopausal setting.

Objective: To assess the prevalence and risk factors of underweight, overweight and obesity among a geriatric population living in a high-altitude region of India.Design: Community-based cross-sectional study. Data were collected on sociodemographic profile and anthropometric parameters. Weight and height measurements were utilized for calculation of BMI. Nutrient intake data were collected using 24 h dietary recall.Setting: High-altitude region of Nainital District, Uttarakhand State, North India.Subjects: Community-dwelling geriatric subjects (n 981) aged 60 years or above.Results: We found that 26·6 % of the elderly subjects were underweight (BMI<18·5 kg/m2). Overweight (BMI 25·0-29·9 kg/m2) and obesity (BMI≥30·0 kg/m2) was seen among 18·0 % and 4·6 %, respectively. After controlling for potential cofounders, risk factors such as low level of education and income, chewing problems and lower number of daily meals were found to be associated with underweight. On the other hand, risk factors for overweight/obesity were lower age, high income and unskilled work.Conclusions: There is a need to develop and implement intervention strategies to prevent underweight, overweight and obesity among the geriatric population of India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study sought to determine the prevalence and predictors of peripheral neuropathy in nondiabetic children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).Methods: Fifty-one consecutive normally nourished children, 3-18 years of age, with CKD stages IV and V of nondiabetic etiology were enrolled from May to December 2012. Nerve conduction studies were performed in 50 children. Blood samples were analyzed for the biochemical parameters, trace elements, and micronutrients.Results: The prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in our cohort was 52% (95% confidence interval 37.65, 66.34). The majority (80.8%) of the children had axonal neuropathy, and 11.5% had demyelinating neuropathy. Isolated motor neuropathy was identified in 92.3% of the children, and sensorimotor neuropathy was identified in 7.6%. The significant risk factors associated with peripheral neuropathy were older age, low serum copper, and dialysis therapy.Discussion: Electrodiagnostic studies should be performed in children with CKD to assess for peripheral neuropathy for the purpose of optimizing medical care. Muscle Nerve 57: 792-798, 2018. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, an increasing trend in the prevalence of pediatric metabolic syndrome (PMS) among school-age children has been documented in different parts of India. There is lack of data on the prevalence of PMS and its associated risk factors among school-age children living in district Shimla, Himachal Pradesh. Hence, to fill in the gap in the existing knowledge, the present study was conducted. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted during 2015-2016. Thirty clusters (schools) were identified from a list of all schools using population proportionate to size sampling methodology. From each school, 70 children in the age group of 10-16 years were selected. Data was collected on the sociodemographic characteristics, anthropometry, waist circumference, blood pressure, and physical activity. Fasting venous blood samples were collected for estimation of blood glucose, triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein levels. Results: The prevalence of PMS using International Diabetes Federation classification was 3.3% and using modified-adult treatment panel classification criteria was 3.5%. Risk factors identified to be associated with PMS among school-age children were (i) male gender, (ii) high family monthly income, (iii) sedentary lifestyle, (iv) consumption of evening snack, (v) television/computer viewing, and (vi) motorized transportation for commuting to school. Conclusion: The PMS prevalence was 3.3% in school-age children residing in District Shimla. There is a need to formulate interventions to prevent and correct metabolic syndrome among them for reducing early onset of cardiovascular disease during adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise. Apart from the core behavioral issues of impaired communication, impaired social interaction, and restricted and/or repeated behavioral phenotype, comorbidities like sleep problems are increasingly getting recognized as important determinants of management and overall quality of life.Methods: This study was conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital in northern India over a two year period. Children diagnosed with ASD and normally developing children (control subjects) aged 3 to 10 years were enrolled in the study. Both groups underwent sleep evaluation based on the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire. Children with ASD also underwent polysomnography, Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Childhood Behavioral Checklist, and Developmental Profile 3 assessments.Results: The prevalence of poor sleepers among children with ASD and control subjects was 77.5% (confidence interval 66 to 86.5). and 29.2% (confidence interval 18.6 to 41.5), respectively (P < 0.001). The salient findings on polysomnography were reduced sleep efficiency, decreased rapid eye movement and slow wave sleep duration, and desaturation index>1. The Childhood Behavioral Checklist score was significantly high in poor sleepers compared with good sleepers on Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (P = 0.004). There was no correlation of Childhood Autism Rating Scale or Developmental Profile 3 score with sleep problems in children with ASD.Conclusions: Nearly three fourths of children with ASD have sleep abnormalities with a possible effect on the behavioral phenotype. The polysomnographic findings provide further insight with opportunity for pharmacological interventions. Screening for sleep problems is imperative for the appropriate management and overall improvement in quality of life in children with ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]